London Air Ambulance Charity Faces Funding Crisis
London’s Air Ambulance Charity is urgently pleading with the government for financial help. The life-saving service is struggling to replace its ageing helicopters, with funds running dangerously low.
Up Against Time: £15 Million Needed by September 2024
The charity’s Up Against Time campaign aims to raise £15 million to replace two helicopters by September 2024. But despite strong public support—96% of its funding comes from donations—the campaign is falling behind.
Cost of living pressures and the ongoing Ukraine conflict have hit fundraising hard. Now, the charity is asking the government to chip in 25% of the total costs—£3.056 million—to plug the shortfall.
Helicopters Aging Fast, Service on the Line
The existing helicopters are nearing the end of their lifespan and getting harder to maintain. Earlier this year there was a real threat of grounding the service due to maintenance problems beyond their control.
The charity has held talks with government officials, including Sir Iain Duncan Smith MP and the Chancellor, but has yet to secure a pledge.
Vital Life-Saving Service Needs Support Now
Operating 24/7, 365 days a year, London’s Air Ambulance has treated over 46,000 critically injured patients. It’s a world leader in trauma care, providing essential pre-hospital treatment across the capital.
With the charity’s urgent appeal airing on BBC 1, a quick decision is needed in the upcoming Spring Budget to keep this life-saving service flying for Londoners.
